Carolina career coach advises Tar Heels on jobs in foreign affairs, federal service
September 13, 2024UNC Global Affairs
Photograph of Robert Morris standing in the FedEx Global Education Center.
In January, Robert Morris joined Honors Carolina as a professional development and career coach. He specializes in advising students interested in diplomacy, foreign affairs and government, and he holds a Federal Advisor Certificate which demonstrates an advanced level of expertise in the federal hiring process. His insights and coaching are available to every Tar Heel.
With 12 years of experience supporting college students and their career goals, Morris provides students with feedback on their resumes, advice on navigating USAJOBS.gov and security clearances, and tips on professional networking. Students can schedule time to meet with him one-on-one. Morris ensures Carolina students are well-equipped to secure competitive jobs in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
We wanted to learn more about Morris and his advice for students interested in careers in foreign affairs and federal service. You can read his responses — edited for style and brevity — below.
KMB: What advice do you have for students interested in foreign affairs?
Many Carolina students are highly aware of and qualified for the Foreign Service, but few know about the civil service. While jobs in the civil service are usually located in Washington, they can be equally as globally minded. And often, they are a really smart way to make connections and to create a viable path to joining the Foreign Service or similar international work.
KMB: What is a common misconception about USAJOBS.gov? What advice would you give a student who is beginning to navigate the platform?
You cannot complete an application in one setting. USAJOBS.gov can feel overwhelming, so give yourself time. Explore USAJOBS.gov as early as possible to ensure you understand and feel comfortable navigating the system and using the search filters. This will allow you to refine position descriptions, understand USAJOBS.gov terminology and prepare competitive application materials.
KMB: What should students know about the security clearance process?
It is time-intensive and often lacks frequent updates, which can make it stressful. Classic job searches can take a few months, but job searches in the federal government, especially jobs with security clearances, can take nine months or more. Before applying, I recommend understanding what you need for the level of clearance you are seeking, and be as transparent as possible.
KMB: When a student comes to you and is undecided about their career goals, how do you begin to narrow their options? How do you encourage them to explore and consider diverse career paths without being overwhelmed?
I recommend better understanding who you are and what all is available. Use career assessments tied to values, interests, personality and skills. Gain direct experience tied to potential career options. Explore courses, campus involvement, networking and experiential learning (research, part-time jobs, micro-internships, internships, etc.) as early as possible. Focus on taking small, actionable steps to remove the pressure of making a big decision.
KMB: Why is it important for students to gain meaningful experience and to focus on how that experience sets them up well in the future?
Students should maximize their time on campus by acquiring the skills necessary for their career path. For those interested in careers in foreign affairs and government service, the Diplomacy Initiative is a great example of a program at Carolina that will help you practice these skills. It’s important, though, that you learn to succinctly articulate how your experiences on campus have prepared you for your career.
KMB: Why is networking important? How do you help students build and maintain professional networks?
Networking leads to a better understanding of industries and organizations, opportunities for collaboration or mentorship, referrals for internships and job opportunities, and the exchange of ideas and resources. Use LinkedIn, join professional associations, use campus career resources and professionals, and attend industry conferences. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about building meaningful connections that shape your future success. Take advantage of the incredible network of Carolina alumni who want to see you thrive.
KMB: Looking forward, what are your goals for your work at UNC-Chapel Hill?
As a career coach, my mission is to empower Carolina students by connecting them with curated resources, tools and programming. I encourage proactive career development, ensuring students feel confident in pursuing their goals beyond their time at UNC-Chapel Hill. This involves providing opportunities for reflection, exploration, meaningful experiences and a seamless transition into the professional world.
Morris encourages any Carolina student interested in connecting with him to email him at ramorris@unc.edu.
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